Fostering research in pediatric interventional radiology: needs assessment and suggestions for support.

BACKGROUND: Due to the rarity of pediatric diseases, collaborative research is the key to maximizing the impact of research studies. A research needs assessment survey was created to support initiatives to foster pediatric interventional radiology research. OBJECTIVE: To assess the status of pediatric interventional radiology research, identify perceived barriers, obtain community input on areas of research/education/support, and create metrics for evaluating changes/responses to programmatic initiatives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey link was sent to approximately 275 members of the Society for Pediatric Interventional Radiology (SPIR) between May and October 2020. Data was collected using a web-based interface. Data collected included practice setting, clinical role, research experience, research barriers, and suggestions for future initiatives. RESULTS: Fifty-nine surveys were analyzed with a staff physician survey response rate of 28% (56/198). A wide range of practice sizes from 15 countries were represented. Respondents were predominantly staff physicians (95%; 56/59) with an average of 11 years (range: 1-25 years) of clinical experience working at academic or freestanding children's hospitals. A total of 100% (59/59) had research experience, and 70% (41/58) had published research with a mean of 30 peer-reviewed publications (range: 1-200). For job security, 56% (33/59) of respondents were expected or required to publish, but only 19% (11/58) had research support staff, and 42% (25/59) had protected research time, but of those, 36% (9/25) got the time "sometimes or never." Lack of support staff, established collaborative processes, and education were identified as top barriers to performing research. CONCLUSIONS: The needs assessment survey demonstrated active research output despite several identified barriers. There is a widespread interest within the pediatric interventional radiology community for collaborative research.

Use of glue embolization in management of traumatic bile leak: A case report.

Blunt abdominal trauma is a common cause of solid organ injury in children. Nonoperative management has been established as the standard of care for suspected liver and spleen injuries without peritonitis. Major ductal injury with resultant biloma is a rare complication of nonoperative management of blunt liver injury. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and/or percutaneous drain placement are considered to be safe adjuncts in the management of these bile leaks. However, in the rare cases of persistent bile leak, further nonoperative alternatives have not been reported. In this case report we present a novel multidisciplinary approach to managing persistent bile leaks in blunt liver injury.

Single-stage embolization with n-butyl cyanoacrylate and surgical resection of venous malformations.

PURPOSE: Sclerotherapy or surgical resection is options for symptomatic venous malformations (VM). Sclerotherapy may require repetitive intervention and resection is often avoided due to operative morbidity. The purpose of this study was to report use of single-stage n-butyl cyanoacrylate glue embolization and surgical resection of focal VM. METHODS: A review of patients with focal VM who underwent glue embolization followed by resection at a single tertiary care vascular malformations center was performed. All embolizations were performed with ultrasound and fluoroscopy under the same anesthetic as resection. Patient characteristics and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Fifteen procedures were performed in 12 patients with a total of 20 VM addressed, as several patients had multiple VM. Mean age was 16 ± 9 years. Malformation locations included scalp, hip, gluteal, labial, toe, finger, face, lip, chest, and foot and size ranged from 1.0 to 10.5 cm. Median (range) of prior sclerotherapy treatments was 3 (0-5) and three patients previously underwent surgical resection. Median blood loss was zero (0-10) mL. Surgical complications occurred after five procedures (33%) including superficial wound dehiscence and cellulitis. No complications required readmission or reoperation. At a median follow up of 195 (103-266) days, no patients have required additional treatment. CONCLUSION: Glue embolization and resection of focal VM of variable size and location appears to have durable results and low surgical morbidity. This single-stage procedure, often performed as an outpatient, may be utilized as upfront treatment for symptomatic malformations or for VM refractory to other treatments.

Transarterial radioembolization with yttrium-90 of unresectable primary hepatic malignancy in children.

BACKGROUND: Primary malignant liver tumors are rare, accounting for 1% to 2% of all childhood cancers. When chemotherapy fails, transarterial radioembolization with yttrium-90 (TARE-Y90) may offer an alternative therapy as a bridge to surgical resection or liver transplant or for palliation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 10 pediatric patients with histologically confirmed primary liver malignancy who received treatment with TARE-Y90. RESULTS: The median age at treatment was 5.5 years (range, 2-18 years). Median patient survival from initial diagnosis was 12.5 months (range, 10-28 months), and median patient survival after TARE-Y90 was 4 months (range, 2-20 months). Retreatment was well tolerated in three of 10 patients, with these patients demonstrating the longest survival times (range, 17-20 months). One patient was transplanted 6 weeks after TARE-Y90. By RECIST 1.1 criteria of all target lesions, eight of nine patients had stable disease, and one of nine had progressive disease. By mRECIST criteria (requiring postcontrast arterial phase imaging), two of seven patients had a partial response, four of seven had stable disease, and one of seven had progressive disease. CONCLUSION: TARE-Y90 of unresectable primary liver malignancy is both technically feasible and demonstrates an anticancer effect, and retreatment is well tolerated. TARE-Y90 could be considered as adjunctive therapy in pediatric patients with unresectable hepatic malignancies and could be used as a bridge to surgical resection or liver transplant. More research is required to determine the efficacy of this treatment in children and to define the clinical scenarios where benefit is likely to be optimized.

Sclerotherapy for intramuscular vascular malformations: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Vascular malformations isolated to skeletal muscles are rare and often debilitating due to pain and very challenging to treat. Multi-modal management options include compression garments, medical therapy, sclerotherapy, and surgical resection. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent sclerotherapy for intramuscular venous malformations (IVM) between 2008 and 2016 was performed. Demographics, indications, and clinical follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent sclerotherapy for IVM. Six males and 14 females underwent 58 procedures. All patients presented with pain and were treated initially with compression garments. Median age at first treatment was 13years (+/- 5.06years). Initial protocol consisted of 2 sclerotherapy procedures with sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) within a 2-3month interval. Median volume of the lesion was 40cm3 (+/- 28.7), mostly located in the lower extremities (15/20). Median number of treatments was 2 (+/- 1.95). Treatment prior to puberty resulted in a median symptom-free time of 4years (+/- 2.18), while after puberty resulted in a symptom-free time of 2years (+/- 2.28). Two patients had an underlying coagulopathy and were admitted for observation and peri-procedural Lovenox. No procedure related complications were noted with a median follow-up of 4years (+/- 2.27). CONCLUSION: IVMs are rare but can be incapacitating secondary to pain. Sclerotherapy is a useful minimally invasive procedure generally requiring at least two consecutive treatments. Treatment of patients prior to puberty appears to provide a more durable result, and surgical resection may be avoided. TYPE OF STUDY: retrospective. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

CT-guided localization of pulmonary nodules in children prior to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical resection utilizing a combination of two previously described techniques.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary nodules in pediatric oncology patients can present a diagnostic and treatment dilemma. Imaging findings are often nonspecific and tissue diagnosis may be required for appropriate treatment. The smaller subpleural nodules may not be visualized and cannot be palpated during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS) resection. Preoperative localization has been beneficial in obtaining an adequate pathological specimen. OBJECTIVE: This study presents experience in a large pediatric hospital using CT-guided preoperative localization of pulmonary nodules combining two previously utilized techniques, hook wire and methylene blue blood patch localization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of the electronic medical record utilizing a medical record search application was performed to identify all patients who underwent preoperative lung nodule localization during a 12.5-year period (July 1999 through January 2012). A retrospective chart review of these patients was then performed. Pre- and postoperative imaging, interventional radiology procedural images and reports, surgical reports, and pathology reports were obtained and evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients, with 40 nodules, who underwent preoperative CT-guided lung nodule localization were identified. Patients ranged in age from 8 months to 21 years. The pulmonary nodules ranged in size from 1.4 mm to 18 mm. Twelve nodules were localized using a Kopans breast lesion localization needle with hook wire, 4 were localized using a methylene blue blood patch, and 24 were localized using the combination of these two techniques. The technical success rate of all procedures was 100%. A pathological diagnosis was determined in 39 patients (97.5%). There were 6 (15.0%) minor complications and no major complications. CONCLUSION: CT-guided lung nodule localization using the combined techniques of methylene blue blood patch and hook wire is safe, technically feasible and successful in children. Using this combination of techniques will consistently yield a pathological diagnosis, is currently the preferred technique at our tertiary pediatric hospital and could be considered the new best practice.

Efficacy and safety of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for venous thrombosis after paediatric heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Reports in the literature of treatment with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator following cardiac surgery are limited. We reviewed our experience to provide a case series of the therapeutic use of tissue plasminogen activator for the treatment of venous thrombosis in children after cardiac surgery. The data describe the morbidity, mortality, and clinical outcomes of tissue plasminogen activator administration for treatment of venous thrombosis in children following cardiac surgery. DESIGN: The study was designed as a retrospective case series. SETTING: The study was carried out in a 25-bed cardiac intensive care unit in an academic, free-standing paediatric hospital. Patients All children who received tissue plasminogen activator for venous thrombosis within 60 days of cardiac surgery, a total of 13 patients, were included. Interventions Data was collected, collated, and analysed as a part of the interventions of this study. Measurements and main results Patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator were principally young infants (median 0.2, IQR 0.07-0.58 years) who had recently (22, IQR 12.5-27.3 days) undergone cardiac surgery. Hospital mortality was high in this patient group (38%), but there was no mortality attributable to tissue plasminogen activator administration, occurring within <72 hours. There was one major haemorrhagic complication that may be attributable to tissue plasminogen activator. Complete or partial resolution of venous thrombosis was confirmed using imaging in 10 of 13 patients (77%), and tissue plasminogen activator administration was associated with resolution of chylous drainage, with no drainage through chest tubes, at 10 days after tissue plasminogen activator treatment in seven of nine patients who had upper-compartment venous thrombosis-associated chylothorax. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our experience with administration of tissue plasminogen activator in children after cardiac surgery, tissue plasminogen activator is both safe and effective for resolution of venous thrombosis in this high-risk population.

Does Advancing Technology Improve Outcomes? Comparison of the Da Vinci Standard/S/Si to the Xi Robotic Platforms During Robotic Nephroureterectomy.

INTRODUCTION: With the introduction of laparoscopy and now robotics, more patients are able to reap benefit from minimally invasive techniques during urologic surgery. With these advancing technologies, it is important to evaluate whether the outlay of hospital capital actually improves patient care. To date, there has been little literature regarding the impact of these advances on patient outcomes. In this article, we directly compare perioperative outcomes and hospital costs between the older da Vinci Standard/S/Si platform and the newer Xi robotic platform during nephroureterectomy. METHODS: A review of our robotic nephroureterectomy database between April 2009 and December 2017 identified 87 patients, 30 in group 1 (Xi) and 57 in group 2 (Standard/S/Si). Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative parameters as well as hospital costs were evaluated. Independent t-test was performed for continuous variables, while categorical variables were evaluated using chi-square tests or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups preoperatively. Operative time using the Xi was shorter, 184.4 vs 232.09 minutes (p = 0.0035). Other perioperative variables were similar. There was more lymphovascular invasion in group 2 (p = 0.0108), but there were higher stage tumors in group 1 (p < 0.0001). More patients underwent lymph node dissection in group 1 (p = 0.0186). Complications were similar between groups. Costs for anesthesia were less in group 1, which led to decreased total hospitalization costs (p < 0.001) Conclusion: Operative times were found to be less with the daVinci Xi, without any other significant difference in patient outcomes between the groups. Anesthesia and operating room cost were substantial factors in lowering the overall hospital costs. More multi-institutional studies with larger groups of patients are needed to determine if advancing technology really improves outcomes.

Molecular Targeted Fluorescence-Guided Intraoperative Imaging of Bladder Cancer Nodal Drainage Using Indocyanine Green During Radical and Partial Cystectomy.

Optical imaging is a relatively inexpensive, fast, and sensitive addition to a surgeon's arsenal for the non-invasive detection of malignant dissemination. Optical cameras in the near infrared spectrum are able to successfully identify injected indocyanine green in lymphatic channels and sentinel lymph nodes. The use of this technology is now being used in the operating room to help with lymph node dissection and improve the prognosis of patients diagnosed with muscle invasive bladder cancer. Indocyanine green has the potential for many more applications due to its versatility. In the future, there is a potential to use it for lymphangiography during nephroureterctomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma, adrenal surgery for partial or radical adrenalectomy. Further investigations at multiple centers will validate this technique and its efficiency.

2014 Revised Classification of Vascular Lesions from the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies: Radiologic-Pathologic Update.

Since the publication of the seminal work on the histology-based classification of vascular anomalies by Mulliken and Glowacki in 1982 and the subsequent adoption of an expanded and modified version in 1996 by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies, an increasing number of vascular lesions have been recognized as histologically distinct entities. Furthermore, there have been significant advances in detailing the behavior and underlying genetics of previously identified lesions. These developments have required restructuring and expansion of the classification scheme so that appropriate therapies may be studied and implemented in affected patients. The new classification retains the broad categories of neoplasms and malformations but now divides the tumor group into benign, locally aggressive or borderline, and malignant, with the malformation group being divided into simple, combined, those of major named vessels, and those associated with other anomalies. Additionally, a category has been created for lesions in which the histology and behavior do not yet allow clear separation into neoplasm or malformation (thus named "provisionally unclassified vascular anomalies"). The known clinical courses and imaging, histologic, and genetic findings of the most common and/or clinically relevant lesions in the newly adopted revised system are reviewed in this article. (©)RSNA, 2016.

Comparison of complications between pediatric peripherally inserted central catheter placement techniques.

BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is among the most common procedures performed in children in the hospital setting. PICC insertion can be simplified with the use of a sheathed needle as an alternative to the modified Seldinger technique. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate PICC placement for the technique used and the incidence of complications at a large pediatric tertiary care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all PICC placements at a single institution over a 4-year period. We reviewed patient records for demographic data, PICC placement technique, catheter size and number of lumens, and the incidence of complications (i.e. multiple attempted puncture sites, phlebitis and vessel thrombosis). We analyzed complication rates between two placement techniques using a chi-square test. RESULTS: We identified 8,816 successful PICC placements, 4,749 (53.9%) in males and 4,067 (46.1%) in females. The average age of the patients for which a line was placed was 5.6 years (range 1 day to 45 years). A direct sheathed needle puncture technique was used in 8,362 (94.9%) placements and a modified Seldinger technique was used in 454 (5.1%). Complications occurred in 312 (3.7%) of direct sheathed needle puncture placements versus 17 (3.7%) of modified Seldinger placements (P = 0.99). Multiple puncture sites were required in 175 (2.1%) attempted direct sheathed needle puncture placements compared with 8 (1.7%) attempted modified Seldinger placements (P = 0.63). Phlebitis occurred in 94 (1.1%) direct sheathed needle puncture lines versus 5 (1.1%) modified Seldinger placed lines (P = 0.96). Vessel thrombosis occurred in 43 (0.5%) direct sheathed needle puncture lines versus 4 (0.9%) modified Seldinger placed lines (P = 0.30). CONCLUSION: The direct peel-away sheathed needle vessel puncture technique and the modified Seldinger technique used to place PICC lines in children have similar complication rates.

Use of rotational fluoroscopy and 3-D reconstruction for pre-operative imaging of complex cloacal malformations.

Complex cloacal malformations are associated with a wide spectrum of anatomic defects involving the gastrointestinal, urinary, and gynecologic tracts; the variety and complexity of these defects complicate surgical planning and repair. Rotational fluoroscopy with 3-D reconstruction provides precise anatomic detail, particularly regarding length of the common channel, appearance/location of the vagina(s) and bladder, which facilitates surgical planning and determination of prognosis.

Efficacy and Safety of Sirolimus in the Treatment of Complicated Vascular Anomalies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Complicated vascular anomalies have limited therapeutic options and cause significant morbidity and mortality. This Phase II trial enrolled patients with complicated vascular anomalies to determine the efficacy and safety of treatment with sirolimus for 12 courses; each course was defined as 28 days. METHODS: Treatment consisted of a continuous dosing schedule of oral sirolimus starting at 0.8 mg/m(2) per dose twice daily, with pharmacokinetic-guided target serum trough levels of 10 to 15 ng/mL. The primary outcomes were responsiveness to sirolimus by the end of course 6 (evaluated according to functional impairment score, quality of life, and radiologic assessment) and the incidence of toxicities and/or infection-related deaths. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were enrolled; 57 patients were evaluable for efficacy at the end of course 6, and 53 were evaluable at the end of course 12. No patient had a complete response at the end of course 6 or 12 as anticipated. At the end of course 6, a total of 47 patients had a partial response, 3 patients had stable disease, and 7 patients had progressive disease. Two patients were taken off of study medicine secondary to persistent adverse effects. Grade 3 and higher toxicities attributable to sirolimus included blood/bone marrow toxicity in 27% of patients, gastrointestinal toxicity in 3%, and metabolic/laboratory toxicity in 3%. No toxicity-related deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Sirolimus was efficacious and well tolerated in these study patients with complicated vascular anomalies. Clinical activity was reported in the majority of the disorders.

Ultrasound-Guided Botulinum Toxin Type A Salivary Gland Injection in Children for Refractory Sialorrhea: 10-Year Experience at a Large Tertiary Children's Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Sialorrhea is problematic for neurologically impaired children, and botulinum toxin A salivary gland injection has been reported as effective in reducing sialorrhea. This article assesses the success and safety of ultrasound-guided weight-based botulinum toxin A injection for the management of sialorrhea in children. METHODS: A total of 111 patients (63 males; 48 females; average age 7 years) with refractory sialorrhea were treated with ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin type A salivary gland injections (144 procedures) from July 1, 2004, to July 1, 2014, using a single weight-based protocol. Patient history, procedural records, and clinical follow-up documents were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data were compared with reported effectiveness and complications using odds ratios. RESULTS: A total of 144 procedures were performed in 111 patients with refractory sialorrhea. Cerebral palsy was the most common underlying etiology for sialorrhea (29%), whereas others included encephalopathy (5%), anoxic brain injury (4%), and a variety of chromosomal anomalies (5%). There was a 100% technical success rate. Overall treatment effectiveness was 68%. Repeat injections were not associated with increased clinical success. No procedure-related deaths or major complications were identified; the minor complication rate was less than 2%. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol used for ultrasound-guided injection of botulinum toxin A proved to be safe and effective in children suffering from sialorrhea. Image guidance technique may lead to a reduction in rates of adverse events reported in other series. Subsequent procedures do not improve upon initial efficacy.

Comparison of pediatric radiation dose and vessel visibility on angiographic systems using piglets as a surrogate: antiscatter grid removal vs. lower detector air kerma settings with a grid - a preclinical investigation.

The purpose of this study was to reduce pediatric doses while maintaining or improv-ing image quality scores without removing the grid from X-ray beam. This study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Three piglets (5, 14, and 20 kg) were imaged using six different selectable detector air kerma (Kair) per frame values (100%, 70%, 50%, 35%, 25%, 17.5%) with and without the grid. Number of distal branches visualized with diagnostic confidence relative to the injected vessel defined image quality score. Five pediatric interventional radiologists evaluated all images. Image quality score and piglet Kair were statistically compared using analysis of variance and receiver operating curve analysis to define the preferred dose setting and use of grid for a visibility of 2nd and 3rd order vessel branches. Grid removal reduced both dose to subject and imaging quality by 26%. Third order branches could only be visualized with the grid present; 100% detector Kair was required for smallest pig, while 70% detector Kair was adequate for the two larger pigs. Second order branches could be visualized with grid at 17.5% detector Kair for all three pig sizes. Without the grid, 50%, 35%, and 35% detector Kair were required for smallest to largest pig, respectively. Grid removal reduces both dose and image quality score. Image quality scores can be maintained with less dose to subject with the grid in the beam as opposed to removed. Smaller anatomy requires more dose to the detector to achieve the same image quality score.

Does transition from the da Vinci Si to Xi robotic platform impact single-docking technique for robot-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy?

OBJECTIVES: To describe our robot-assisted nephroureterectomy (RNU) technique for benign indications and RNU with en bloc excision of bladder cuff (BCE) and lymphadenectomy (LND) for malignant indications using the da Vinci Si and da Vinci Xi robotic platform, with its pros and cons. The port placement described for Si can be used for standard and S robotic systems. This is the first report in the literature on the use of the da Vinci Xi robotic platform for RNU. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After a substantial experience of RNU using different da Vinci robots from the standard to the Si platform in a single-docking fashion for benign and malignant conditions, we started using the newly released da Vinci Xi robot since 2014. The most important differences are in port placement and effective use of the features of da Vinci Xi robot while performing simultaneous upper and lower tract surgery. Patient positioning, port placement, step-by-step technique of single docking RNU-LND-BCE using the da Vinci Si and da Vinci Xi robot are shown in an accompanying video with the goal that centres using either robotic system benefit from the hints and tips. The first segment of video describes RNU-LND-BCE using the da Vinci Si followed by the da Vinci Xi to highlight differences. There was no need for patient repositioning or robot re-docking with the new da Vinci Xi robotic platform. RESULTS: We have experience of using different robotic systems for single docking RNU in 70 cases for benign (15) and malignant (55) conditions. The da Vinci Xi robotic platform helps operating room personnel in its easy movement, allows easier patient side-docking with the help of its boom feature, in addition to easy and swift movements of the robotic arms. The patient clearance feature can be used to avoid collision with the robotic arms or the patient's body. In patients with challenging body habitus and in situations where bladder cuff management is difficult, modifications can be made through reassigning the camera to a different port with utilisation of the retargeting feature of the da Vinci Xi when working on the bladder cuff or in the pelvis. The vision of the camera used for da Vinci Xi was initially felt to be inferior to that of the da Vinci Si; however, with a subsequent software upgrade this was much improved. The base of the da Vinci Xi is bigger, which does not slide and occasionally requires a change in table placement/operating room setup, and requires side-docking especially when dealing with very tall and obese patients for pelvic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: RNU alone or with LND-BCE is a challenging surgical procedure that addresses the upper and lower urinary tract simultaneously. Single docking and single robotic port placement for RNU-LND-BCE has evolved with the development of different generations of the robotic system. These procedures can be performed safely and effectively using the da Vinci S, Si or Xi robotic platform. The new da Vinci Xi robotic platform is more user-friendly, has easy installation, and is intuitive for surgeons using its features.

Isolated Upper Extremity Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in a Child.

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a well-described complication of solid organ and bone marrow transplants. The most common presentation is intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy or single or multiple intraparenchymal masses involving the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Here we describe the imaging and pathology findings of an unusual case of PTLD appearing as an intramuscular forearm lesion in a pediatric male. The manifestation of PTLD as an isolated upper extremity mass in a pediatric patient has to our knowledge not been described.

Endovascular thrombolysis to salvage central venous access in children with catheter-associated upper extremity deep vein thrombosis: technique and initial results.

Nine patients (average age 8.3 years, range 20 days to 17 years; average weight 31 kg, range 2.7-79 kg) with catheter-associated UE-DVT underwent upper extremity venous thrombolysis with the goal of access salvage. Catheter directed therapy with alteplase (tPA), balloon angioplasty, and mechanical thrombectomy was used in all cases. The mean total dose of TPA was 15 mg (range 1-40 mg). Venous access was ultimately preserved in all patients. No stents or superior vena cava filters were used. There was one episode of symptomatic clinically suspected pulmonary embolism managed by systemic tPA and heparin without long term sequaele. Mean imaging and clinical follow-up was 351 ± 208 and 613 ± 498 days respectively. Endovenous thrombolysis for catheter-associated upper-extremity DVT in children may be safe and effective and could be considered particularly in patients in whom long-term venous access is needed.

Outcomes in children with deep vein thrombosis managed with percutaneous endovascular thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND: Our center has developed a multidisciplinary approach to percutaneous endovascular thrombolysis with the goal of improving outcomes in children with thrombosis. There is little data describing the safety and efficacy of endovascular thrombolysis and the frequency of post-thrombotic syndrome after thrombolysis in children. OBJECTIVE: Retrospective analysis of children undergoing percutaneous endovascular thrombolysis to determine (1) the safety and efficacy of this procedure and (2) the frequency of the diagnosis of post-thrombotic syndrome after thrombolysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical and imaging databases for children who underwent percutaneous endovascular thrombolysis for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) between November 2008 and June 2013 at our institution. Demographic data were reviewed for the technical success and complications of thrombolysis and the last assigned post-thrombotic syndrome score using standardized scoring tools. RESULTS: Forty-one children ages 3 months to 21 years (median age: 15 years; 44% male) underwent percutaneous endovascular thrombolysis between November 2008 and June 2013. Upper extremity DVT occurred in 13 patients (32%); lower extremity DVT occurred in 28 patients (68%). All 41 patients received thrombolysis grading; 90% of those patients achieved greater than 50% thrombus lysis. Twenty-eight patients received formal post-thrombotic syndrome scoring and 4 (14%) met diagnostic criteria for post-thrombotic syndrome. One major bleeding episode and one pulmonary embolism occurred with no long-term sequelae. CONCLUSION: Endovascular thrombolysis for DVT in children is safe, effective at thrombus removal and may reduce the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome. Randomized or larger clinical trials would be needed to determine the long-term benefits of endovascular thrombolysis.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic simple anatomic prostatectomy.

Management options for men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia have increased in recent years. Surgery is recommended for patients who have renal insufficiency secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), who have recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder stones or gross hematuria caused by BPH, and those who have lower urinary tract symptoms refractory to other therapies. Technology is improving, and the use of endoscopic techniques with lasers has gained popularity. The use of robotics overcomes the limitations of pure laparoscopy. Robotic assistance helps in quicker skills acquisition. This article describes techniques for robotic-assisted laparoscopic simple anatomic prostatectomy in a step-by-step manner.